Apparatus for closing pittsburgh seams associated with duct assemblies and other box-shaped members

ABSTRACT

A vertical Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatus having a base supporting surface, a track mechanism for moving a carriage assembly which holds seam forming members used to close a Pittsburgh Seam, a pair of upper and lower guide members for guiding the duct section into a proper vertical position, and upper and lower clamping members positioned inside the duct section and adjacent the inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed, the upper guide members and clamping member being selectively movable and adjustable for accommodating different duct section lengths. In one embodiment, the seam forming assembly includes three roller members mounted in vertical arrangement to each other, one roller member being V-shaped in configuration and the other two roller members being substantially cylindrical in shape. The V-shaped roller member may also include one or more projecting members for forming dimples in the closing process to prevent shifting and/or slipping of the closed seam.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/715,209 filed Dec. 14, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/358,972 filed on Jan. 26, 2012, both ofwhich are entitled Apparatus For Closing Pittsburgh Seams AssociatedWith Duct Assemblies and Other Box-Shaped Members, and claims priorityto and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/436,599 filed on Jan. 26, 2011 and entitled Apparatus For ClosingPittsburgh Seams Associated With Duct Assemblies and Other Box-ShapedMembers, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to forming duct assemblies fortransporting pressurized fluid therethrough such as heating and coolingair and, more particularly, to an apparatus for mechanically closing oneor more Pittsburgh Seams associated with metal duct sections used toform duct assemblies commonly associated with forced air HVAC systems.

Rectangular or box-shaped duct assemblies are extensively used in bothcommercial and residential applications to transport and distributeheated or cooled air to a building, personal residence, or otherstructure. Duct assemblies are conventionally formed in sections andsecured together to form longer spans as needed. A duct section istypically formed of sheet metal into a rectangular shape having foursides which are joined together through the use of one or more commonlyemployed Pittsburgh Seams.

Each duct section can be formed using a plurality of different formingtechniques such as bending two pieces of sheet metal of the desiredlength at a 90° angle and joining such sections together along opposedcomplimentary edges through the use of a conventional Pittsburgh Seam.This application requires the use of two Pittsburgh Seams. In anothermethod and application, all four sides of a typical duct section can beformed in a single continuous process requiring the use of a singlePittsburgh Seam to join the two opposite ends of the sheet metal to formthe completed duct section. In this application, a single PittsburghSeam is needed to complete the process. Still other methods andapplications may require the use of more than two Pittsburgh Seamsdepending upon the shape and configuration of the duct section.Regardless of the number of Pittsburgh Seams utilized in a particularduct assembly, these seams must be properly closed as will behereinafter explained.

Pittsburgh Seams are commonly used to join the seams of metal ductsections, whether these sections are rectangular, tapered, rounded, orsome other configuration. A Pittsburgh Seam includes a male portion anda female portion, the male portion being associated with one edgeportion of the sheet metal portion forming the duct section and thefemale portion being associated with a corresponding edge portionassociated with another sheet metal portion forming the duct section.The male portion of the Pittsburgh Seam includes a flange portion formedalong the length of one edge of the sheet metal portion which is bentover at approximately a 90° angle and is insertable into a groove orcavity associated with the female portion of the Pittsburgh Seam, thefemale portion including an overhanging edge portion which extendsbeyond the partially formed seam for bending to complete the closing ofthe seam. During assembly of a particular duct section, the male portionof the Pittsburgh Seam associated with one edge portion of a ductportion is insertable into the female portion associated with anotheredge portion of a duct portion so as to leave an overhanging edgeportion extending beyond the partially formed seam. When the variousparts of the duct section are thus pre-assembled and the duct section isformed, the Pittsburgh Seams, although engaged, will not be closed orlocked. In order to lock or close these seams, it is necessary to bendthe overhanging edge portion of the Pittsburgh Seam extending beyond thepartially formed seam inwardly so that it lies adjacent to and againstthe outer surface of the sheet metal portion incorporating the maleportion of the Pittsburgh Seam. When this overhanging edge portion isbent into proper position, the Pittsburgh Seam will be closed andlocked.

At the present time, the commonly used Pittsburgh Seam is closed eithermanually using a hand hammer or a power tool, or it is mechanically bentusing known Pittsburgh Seam closer apparatus such as the apparatusdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,189,784; 5,243,750; and 5,353,616. Manualclosing of the Pittsburgh Seam is time consuming, tedious, and creates alarge amount of noise. The known apparatus for mechanically closing aPittsburgh Seam require a specific orientation of the seam within theclosing apparatus in order to be effective and operative in closing suchseam. In this regard, operators must turn and orient the duct section soas to match the direction of the machine in closing the seam. If theduct section is not properly oriented, the seam will not be closed and areject will occur. In addition, the known Pittsburgh Seam closingapparatus do not always provide sufficient strength and support tovarious parts of the apparatus depending upon the force required andexerted during the seam closing process when heavier gauges of sheetmetal are used to form a particular duct section; and the known priorart apparatus are not easily adjustable to accommodate different lengthsof duct sections to be seamed without changing supports and other partsof the apparatus. In some circumstances, the known prior art apparatuscan only accommodate certain known standard sizes of duct sections. Someof the known prior art apparatus likewise bend the sheet metal againstthe side wall of the duct section during the seam closing processproducing wrinkles or waves in the duct seam.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved Pittsburgh Seam closingapparatus which will close a Pittsburgh Seam regardless of theorientation in which the duct section is placed within the apparatus,thereby improving not only the efficiency of the seam closing processbut also the efficiency of the entire assembly process in forming a ductsection and moving such formed duct section to the Pittsburgh Seamcloser apparatus. It is also desirable to improve the overall strengthof the machine and particularly the seam forming roller components andto provide an improved clamping arrangement whereby successful seamingcan be accomplished from extremely light gauge metal, for example 26gauge metal, through heavy gauge metal, for example 16 gauge metal,without the need to adjust the seam forming rollers for a tighter orlooser setting. Known existing machines require adjustments for thisrange of metal in order to close the seam adequately or to keep fromdamaging either the machine or the duct section. Still further, it isalso desirable to provide a Pittsburgh Seam closing device which iseasily and quickly adaptable for accepting and closing Pittsburgh Seamsassociated with duct sections of any length within the machine's overallcapacity without changing supports or other components of the overallapparatus. This feature will allow non-standard or odd sized ductsections to be seamed efficiently. The known existing machines aretypically set for production of standard lengths of duct section andthey do not allow for the closing of Pittsburgh Seams associated withodd sizes of duct sections, which odd sizes are necessary and exist inevery installation. Instead, these odd sized duct sections are typicallyseamed manually by using a hammer.

Still further, it is likewise desirable to provide a Pittsburgh Seamclosing apparatus wherein seam closing is accomplished without producingwaves or wrinkles in the duct seam.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to overcoming one or moreof the problems as set forth above.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings and limitationsof the known prior art devices discussed above and teaches theconstruction and operation of several embodiments of a verticalPittsburgh Seam closing apparatus which includes an improved seamforming assembly and carriage which enables the duct section to bepositioned vertically on the machine regardless of the particularorientation of the Pittsburgh Seam thereby eliminating the need toorient or turn the duct section so as to match a particular direction ofmovement which is necessary when using existing machines. Thepositioning, shape and orientation of the seam forming assemblyassociated with the present apparatus likewise minimizes the amount ofmanual peening necessary to close opposite end portions of thePittsburgh Seam prior to positioning the duct section on the presentapparatus. The present apparatus also includes improved clamping meansfor clamping and holding a vertically oriented duct section on thepresent device regardless of the orientation of the Pittsburgh Seam, andimproved adjustment means for easily adjusting the upper clamp headassembly for receiving duct sections of any length within the overalldimensions of the apparatus support frame and track assembly foraccommodating non-standard lengths of duct sections which typicallyexist in every installation and need to be seamed.

In one aspect of the present invention, the present Pittsburgh Seamclosing apparatus includes a base member having a supporting surfaceassociated therewith for positioning and locating a duct section in avertical orientation relative to the present apparatus. A suitablesupport framework is positioned on or adjacent one side of the basemember and includes a vertical track mechanism for moving a carriageassembly which holds the seam forming or bending members used to close aPittsburgh Seam. The base member includes a pair of lower guide membersor clamp pads forming a lower guide assembly wherein the guide membersare arranged substantially perpendicular to each other and arepositioned in the shape of a “V” on the supporting surface for guidingthe duct section and the associated Pittsburgh Seam into properpositioning on the base member. The V-shaped guide members or clamp padsare positioned and located and are adjustable such that the seam formingassembly is centrally positioned therebetween. The V-shaped clamp padsallow the duct section to be pressed into an interference fit with theseam forming assembly and also provides proper orientation of the ductsection relative to the seam forming assembly.

The supporting surface further includes an elongated opening which ispositioned and located in alignment with the seam forming assembly andincludes a lower clamp head assembly having a clamping member which ispivotally rotatable between an unclamped position and a position wherethe clamping member is positioned inside the duct section and adjacentthe inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed. The lower clamphead assembly includes an actuator which pivotally rotates the clampingmember between its clamped and unclamped position. The actuator can beelectrically, hydraulically or pneumatically controlled from a controlpanel associated with the present apparatus. In addition, the clampingmember includes a specially configured mating portion which enables theclamping member to properly engage and support the inside portion of thePittsburgh Seam regardless of the orientation of the Pittsburgh Seam,and regardless of which side of the seam the female portion is located.\

A similarly constructed upper clamp head assembly is mounted on aselectively movable and adjustable assembly such that the entire upperclamp head assembly can be moved and adjusted to accommodate any ductsection length. The upper clamp head assembly likewise includes a pairof V-shaped guide members forming an upper guide assembly positioned invertical alignment with the lower guide members for likewise guiding theupper portion of the duct section into proper position on the presentapparatus. The upper clamping member is substantially identical to thelower clamping member and is likewise pivotally rotatable between anunclamped position and a clamped position where the clamping member ispositioned inside the duct section and adjacent the inside portion ofthe Pittsburgh Seam to be closed. The upper clamping member is likewisepivotally rotated through the use of an actuator which is likewisecontrolled from a control panel associated with the present device. Oncea particular duct section is positioned within the upper and lower guidemembers and the upper and lower clamping members are moved to theirclamping positions, the duct section is properly oriented and positionedon the present apparatus and is ready for operative sealing of thePittsburgh Seam.

In one embodiment, the present seam forming assembly includes a pair ofroller members mounted in vertical arrangement to each other, the lowerroller member being V-shaped in configuration and the upper rollermember being substantially cylindrical in shape. The V-shaped formingroller member enables the Pittsburgh Seam to be positioned within theupper and lower guide members in any of the two possible orientations,namely, with the female portion of the seam located on either the leftor right side of the seam, and, regardless of such orientation, thepresent apparatus still effects proper closure of the seam as will behereinafter explained. Both seam forming members are positioned on amovable carriage, the carriage being guided on a vertical track systemthrough the use of a chain and sprocket type assembly which is poweredin a conventional manner through the use of a drive motor. The verticaltrack arrangement upon which the seam forming assembly moves isadjustable fore and aft relative to the upper and lower guide plates, ifnecessary, to produce sufficient force and interference between theforming members and the Pittsburgh Seam associated with the duct sectionclamped into position on the present device.

When activated, the carriage assembly carrying the seam forming assemblymoves in a vertical direction from its lower start position to an upperposition determined by the positioning of the upper clamp head assemblyand then returns to its lower start position. As the seam formingassembly moves in an upward direction, the substantially cylindricallyshaped roller member initially bends the overhanging seam edge portionapproximately 45° and the bottom V-shaped roller member then completesthe closing of the seam and moves the overhanging edge portion into atight abutting relationship with the duct section. Because of itsV-shape, the side of the V-shaped roller member not being used to font′or close the seam holds one side of the duct section and supports thatside of the duct section so that the opposite side of the duct sectionto be seamed presses against it to create the bending or forming action.In other words, one side of the V-shaped roller member holds the ductsection in proper position while the other side of the V-shaped rollermember actually bends the overhanging edge portion of the PittsburghSeam into its closed position. As a result, it makes no difference ifthe overhanging edge portion of the Pittsburgh Seam extends in adirection corresponding to either side of the V-shaped roller membersince one side of the V-shaped roller member will bend the Pittsburgh.Seam while the other side will provide sufficient support and force forcompleting the bending or forming action along the entire length of theseam. This is a substantial improvement over known existing apparatuswhich typically do not provide adequate support along the entire lengthof the seam.

When the seam forming assembly reaches the top of the duct section, itis returned to its lower start position by traversing the full length ofthe seam in the opposite direction. During this return run, the seamforming assembly will re-form the metal of the seam, if necessary, so asto remove any waves or wrinkles in the duct seam. Once the seam has beenclosed, the upper and lower clamp assemblies are moved to theirunclamped position, and the duct section can be removed and rotated sothat another seam can be positioned for closure.

In another aspect of the present invention, the top cylindrical seamforming roller can be replaced with a flat plate, a wiper block or otherobject which will bend the overhanging edge portion of the PittsburghSeam at least approximately 45° as previously explained. It is notnecessary to have a roller member as the second seam forming member asdescribed in the first embodiment. Any object and any configuration ofsuch object which will achieve bending of the overhanging edge portionof the Pittsburgh Seam to approximately a 45° angle will achieve thestated purpose and will allow the V-shaped forming roller to completethe seaming process.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a second seam formingassembly and carriage can be positioned adjacent the upper guide membersand can be operable independent of the lower seam forming assembly andcarriage such that a dual carriage system can be achieved. In thisparticular embodiment, the lower seam forming assembly can move upwardlyand traverse the vertical track a distance less than the full length ofthe duct section to be seamed and the upper seam forming assembly canmove downwardly and traverse a distance less than the full length of theduct section to be seamed, but a distance which will overlap the seamingprocess of the lower seam forming assembly so as to ensure completeseaming of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed. When both carriage systemsreturn to their start position, the seaming process is complete. Thetiming of the independent movement of the two carriage systems can becomputer controlled or manually controlled. The configuration of theupper seam forming carriage assembly will have the V-shaped rollermember positioned above the cylindrical roller member or other formingmember thereby allowing the seam forming assembly to be positionedcloser to the terminal end portion of the seam to be closed. Thisresults in less peening of that particular seam end portion as comparedto the embodiment where a single seam forming roller carriage assemblyis utilized. The second or upper seam forming carriage assembly willmove on the same track as the lower assembly via a chain and sprocketassembly substantially similar to the lower carriage assembly. Othermeans for moving the second seam forming carriage assembly are likewiseenvisioned and anticipated such as by using another track system.

In still another embodiment, the present seam forming assembly includesthree roller members mounted in vertical arrangement to each other, thecenter roller member being V-shaped in configuration and the upper andlower roller members being substantially cylindrical in shape. Thesethree roller members are positioned on a movable carriage assemblysubstantially similar to the carriage assembly carrying the pair ofroller members, this three roller carriage assembly likewise beingguided on a vertical track system in a conventional manner Like the pairof seam forming roller members, these three roller members likewiseenable the Pittsburgh Seam to be positioned within the upper and lowerguide members regardless of their orientation, the advantage of thethree roller members being that the carriage assembly carrying theseroller members can effectively close the Pittsburgh Seam in a singlepass in either direction, either during its upward travel, or during itsdownward trend. The positioning of a substantially cylindrical rollermember on either side of the V-shaped forming roller member enables anew Pittsburgh Seam to be closed to be positioned within the presentdevice once the carriage assembly reaches its upper position and thisnew Pittsburgh Seam can be closed when the carriage assembly is movedfrom its upper position to its lower start position.

In this regard, when the three roller carriage assembly moves from itslower position to its upper position, the upper substantiallycylindrically shaped roller member will initially bend the overhangingseam edge portion approximately 45° and the center V-shaped rollermember will then complete the closing of the seam as previouslydescribed. The bottom substantially cylindrically shaped roller memberwill not affect the seam closing process during upward travel of thecarriage assembly. When the carriage assembly reaches its upperposition, the duct seam is completely closed and the duct section can beremoved and rotated so that another seam, or another duct section, canbe positioned for closure. When the carriage assembly moves from itsupper position to its lower position, the lower substantiallycylindrically shaped roller member will initially bend the overhangingseam edge portion approximately 45° and the center V-shaped rollermember will again complete the closing of the seam as previouslydescribed. The upper substantially cylindrically shaped roller memberwill not affect the seam closing process during downward travel of thecarriage assembly. This embodiment allows a single carriage assembly tocompletely close a Pittsburgh Seam in a single pass across the seam.This increases productivity of the present device and is more efficientas compared to the carriage assembly which only includes a pair of seamfoil ling roller members.

In still another embodiment, the V-shaped roller member may include oneor more openings or bores extending therethrough for receiving a setscrew or other projection member for forming a plurality of dimples inthe Pittsburgh Seam during the closing process as the V-shaped rollermember completes the closing of the seam. In this regard, a tap hole,bore or opening can be positioned on one or both side portions of theV-shaped roller member, or at the joinder or apex of such side portions,so that a dimple can be formed on one or both sides of the closedPittsburgh Seam, or at the corner thereof as will be hereinafter furtherexplained. The set screw or other projection member associated withthese tap holes or openings have a terminal end portion which extendsbeyond the surface portion or perimeter of the V-shaped roller member soas to form one or more dimples in the female portion of the PittsburghSeam during the closing process as the V-shaped roller closes the seam.The dimples are provided in the female portion of the Pittsburgh Seamsuch that when the female portion is mated with and engages the maleportion during the closing process, these dimples will be moved andpressed into a tight abutting relationship with the male portion of thePittsburgh Seam and will form an uneven, jagged, or locked connection atthe point of each respective dimple thereby preventing shifting orslipping of the seam once the seam is closed. The set screws orprojections associated with the tap holes or bores can be adjusted toadjust the overall depth of the dimples being formed.

In still another embodiment, it is recognized and anticipated that thedimples formed by the V-shaped roller can be manufactured and formeddirectly into the female portion of the Pittsburgh Seam during the ductforming process thereby eliminating the need for the V-shaped rollermember to fruit such dimples. Forming the dimples directly into thefemale portion of a Pittsburgh Seam would improve the overall securityof the Pittsburgh Seam once it is closed regardless of whether thePittsburgh Seam is closed manually or through mechanical means such asthrough the use of the present apparatus. Again, use of the dimplesprovides added security to a closed Pittsburgh Seam thereby preventingany shifting or slipping of the seam once it is closed.

It is also recognized that the various systems associated with thepresent Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatus can be computer controlled andprogrammed such that movement of the various clamping assemblies andseam forming carriage assemblies will automatically take place uponproper positioning of the duct section within the apparatus, or uponactivation of a start switch. It is also recognized that each step ofthe seam closing process can likewise be manually operated from acontrol panel associated with the present apparatus.

Because an operator does not need to orient the duct section to beseamed at a particular orientation, the present apparatus not only savestime and is more cost efficient with respect to orienting a duct sectionon the apparatus for a seaming operation, but it also saves substantialtime and labor during the duct forming and assembly process when apre-assembled duct section is formed and moved to the seam closingapparatus. The present apparatus likewise substantially eliminatesimproper closing of the Pittsburgh Seam due to improper orientation ofthe seam in a particular seaming device and it likewise reduces thenumber of rejects. The present apparatus therefore greatly improves theseam closing process and enables an operator to easily and quicklyposition a duct section on the present apparatus regardless of theorientation of the Pittsburgh Seam relative to the seam forming carriageassembly; it enables an operator to easily and quickly adjust theapparatus to accommodate duct sections of any length; and itsubstantially eliminates waves or wrinkles in the duct seam.

These and other aspects and advantages of the present verticalPittsburgh Seam closing apparatus will become apparent to those skilledin the art after considering the following detailed description inconnection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial side elevational view illustrating a standardPittsburgh Seam prior to closing.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a vertical Pittsburgh Seam closingapparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partial top plan form view of the apparatus of FIGS. 2 and3.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the lower V-shaped guidemembers, the lower clamp head assembly, and the seam forming assemblyconstructed in accordance with the teachings of one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5A is a top plan form view showing the lower clamping member in itsclamped position inside a typical duct section and adjacent the insideportion of a typical Pittsburgh Seam.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of a seam formingcarriage assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the carriage assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top plan form view of the carriage assembly illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7 showing a typical Pittsburgh Seam engaged with the rollerassembly after the seam has been closed.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a track systemconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top plan form view of the track system of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a seamforming assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 is a top plan form view of the roller assembly of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a partial front elevational view of another embodiment of aseam forming carriage assembly constructed in accordance with theteachings of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a partial side elevational view of the carriage assembly ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the substantially cylindricalroller members associated with the carriage assembly of FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the substantially cylindricalroller members of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a V-shapedroller member constructed in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention showing a tapped hole or bore positioned and locatedat the apex of the V-shaped roller member.

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the roller member of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the V-shaped roller member ofFIG. 17 rotated approximately 90°.

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of still another embodiment of aV-shaped roller member constructed in accordance with the teachings ofthe present invention showing a pair of tapped holes or bores extendingtherethrough, one bore being associated with one side portion of theV-shaped roller member and the other bore being associated with theother side portion thereof.

FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of the V-shaped roller member ofFIG. 20 rotated approximately 90°.

FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of still another embodiment of aV-shaped roller member constructed in accordance with the teachings ofthe present invention showing a pair of tapped holes or bores associatedtherewith as well as a third tapped hole or bore located approximatelyperpendicular thereto at the apex of the V-shaped roller member.

FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of the V-shaped roller member ofFIG. 22 rotated approximately 90° and showing the third tapped hole orbore extending therethrough.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 24-24 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 25 is a partial side elevational view showing a typical PittsburghSeam after the seam has been closed by the V-shaped roller member ofFIGS. 17-19.

FIG. 26 is a partial side elevational view showing a typical PittsburghSeam after the seam has been closed by the V-shaped roller member ofFIGS. 20 and 21.

FIG. 27 is a partial side elevational view showing a typical PittsburghSeam after the seam has been closed by the V-shaped roller member ofFIGS. 22 and 23.

FIG. 28 is a partial side elevational view illustrating a PittsburghSeam prior to closing having dimples or projections associated with thefemale portion thereof constructed in accordance with the teachings ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numbers whereinlike numerals refer to like parts, number 10 in FIG. 1 illustrates astandard Pittsburgh Seam having a male portion 12 and a female portion14. The male portion 12 of the Pittsburgh Seam 10 is associated with onelongitudinal edge of the sheet metal portion 16 forming one side of atypical duct section and the female portion 14 is associated with onelongitudinal edge of another sheet metal portion 18 forming another sideof a typical duct section. The male portion 12 is formed by bending theentire longitudinal edge of sheet metal portion 16 inwardly atapproximately a right angle as illustrated in FIG. 1. The female portion14 of the Pittsburgh Seam 10 includes a groove or slot 20 for receivingthe male portion 12. The female groove 20 is formed by bending theentire longitudinal edge of sheet metal portion 18 into a Z-shaped orS-shaped bend as illustrated in FIG. 1. The female groove or slot 20 isformed as part of the Z-shaped or S-shaped bend and includes anoverhanging edge portion 22 which extends beyond the partially formedseam when the male portion 12 is positioned within the female cavity 20.The overhanging edge portion 22 extends beyond sheet metal portion 16and is designed to be bent inwardly so that it lies adjacent to sheetmetal portion 16 when the seam 10 is closed and locked. The PittsburghSeam 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is engaged but is not closed and locked.Bending of the overhanging edge portion 22 is required, either manuallyor through mechanical means, in order to close and lock the seam and thecorresponding abutting sheet metal portions in order to form the ductsection. When fully closed, the overhanging edge portion 22 will lieagainst and abut the outer surface of sheet metal portion 16.

FIGS. 2-10 illustrated one embodiment of a Pittsburgh Seam closingapparatus 24 constructed according to the teachings of the presentinvention. As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the present apparatusincludes a base member 26 having a supporting surface 28 associatedtherewith for positioning and locating thereon a duct section having aPittsburgh Seam to be closed as will be hereinafter further explained. Asuitable support framework structure 30 is fixedly attached to the basemember 26 and includes a vertical track mechanism 32 for supporting andguiding movement of a seam foil ring roller carriage assembly 82therealong for closing a Pittsburgh Seam as will be hereinafter furtherexplained. The carriage assembly 82 includes the seam forming assembly84 which is used to bend and close the Pittsburgh Seam 10.

The base member 26 includes a pair of lower guide members or clamp pads34 positioned in spaced apart relationship relative to each other so asto form a “V” for guiding the duct section and its associated PittsburghSeam into proper positioning on the base member support surface 28 asbest illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 shows a typical duct sectionengaged with the upper guide members 56 as will be hereinafter furtherexplained. Engagement of upper guide members 56 with a typical ductsection in substantially identical to the engagement of lower guidemembers 34 with a typical duct section. The lower guide members 34 forma lower guide assembly and the members 34 are arranged at approximatelya right angle to each other to receive a corner of a typical ductsection. The V-shaped lower guide members 34 are fixedly attached tobase member 26 and are adjustable in a conventional manner such asthrough the use of a screw and slot arrangement so as to ensure that theduct section is properly oriented relative to the seam forming assembly84 as will be hereinafter described. In this regard, the V-shaped guidemembers 34 are positioned and located such that the seam formingassembly 84 associated with the carriage assembly 82 is positionedtherebetween and such that the V-shaped lower guide members 34 and theinitial positioning of the seam forming assembly 84 are located adjacentbase member supporting surface 28 as best illustrated in FIG. 5. TheV-shaped guide members 34 allow the duct section corner to be pressedinto an interference fit with the seam forming assembly 84 and alsoprovide proper orientation of the duct section relative to the assembly84 as will be hereinafter further explained.

The base member 26 further includes an elongated slot or opening 36associated with its support surface 28 for receiving a lower clamp headassembly 38 as best illustrated in FIG. 5. The elongated opening 36 ispositioned and located in alignment with the seam forming assembly 84and allows the clamping member 40 associated with the lower clamp headassembly 38 to be pivotally rotatable between an unclamped positionedwherein the clamping member 40 is recessed within the elongated opening36 as illustrated in solid outline form in FIG. 3 and a clampingposition where the clamping member 40 is moved to a vertical uprightposition as illustrated in dotted outline form in FIG. 3 so as to bepositioned inside the duct section and adjacent the inside portion ofthe Pittsburgh Seam to be closed. As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5A,when a duct section is positioned between the lower V-shaped guidemembers 34, the elongated opening 36 and the lower clamping member 40recessed therein is located inside the duct section positionedthereover. In this regard, as best illustrated in FIG. 3, when in itsunclamped position, the lower clamp member 40 can be located anywherebelow the supporting surface 28 so as not to interfere with theplacement and positioning of a duct section on the supporting surface 28and between the lower guide members 34. As best illustrated in FIG. 3,the lower clamp head assembly 38 includes a clamp actuating cylinder 42which is connected to clamping member 40 for pivotally rotating theclamping member about pivot axis 44. Rotation of the clamping member 40about pivot axis 44 pivotally moves the clamping member 40 between itsclamped and unclamped positions. The actuating cylinder 42 can be eitherhydraulically or pneumatically controlled from a control panel 46 (FIG.2) associated with the present apparatus. It is also recognized andanticipated that the actuating cylinder 42 can be replaced with anelectronically activated solenoid actuator or other suitable activatormeans. Movement of the actuating cylinder 42 and the relativepositioning of the clamping member 40 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5A.

The clamping member 40 includes a specially configured mating surface asbest illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5A for improving the clamping connectionbetween the inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam 10 (FIG. 1) and theclamping member 40. In this regard, the mating surface of the clampingmember 40 includes an edge portion 48 positioned and located inalignment with the corner of the duct section and the corner of thePittsburgh Seam 10 when the clamping member is moved to its clampingposition. A notched portion 50 is located on either side of the edgeportion 48 and is shaped and configured so as to make clearance for andreceive the Z-shaped or S-shaped female portion 14 of the PittsburghSeam when the clamping member 40 is in its clamped position as shown inFIG. 5A. Depending upon which side of the duct section corner the femaleportion 14 of the Pittsburgh Seam lies, one of the notched portions 50of the clamping member 40 will allow for and receive the female portion14. As a result, orientation of the female portion 14 of the PittsburghSeam 10 when positioned between the lower guide members 34 is notcritical since the female portion 14 will be located on either the leftor right side of the seam and one of the notched portions 50 willreceive the female portion 14. This configuration therefore enables theclamping member 40 to properly engage and support the inside portion ofthe Pittsburgh Seam 10 regardless of the orientation of the seam andregardless of which side of the seam the female portion 14 is located.Still further, this configuration likewise provides additional supportto the female portion of the seam at the point of clamping since one ofthe notched portions 50 will be in close relationship with the femaleportion 14 of the Pittsburgh Seam 10 thereby substantially preventingmovement of the duct section and seam relative to the clamping member 40during the closing process.

A similarly constructed upper clamp head assembly 52 is mounted on aselectively movable and adjustable assembly 54 such that the entireupper clamp head assembly 52 can be moved and adjusted to accommodateany duct section length as best illustrated in FIG. 2. The upper clamphead assembly 52 likewise includes a pair of V-shaped upper guidemembers 56 forming an upper guide assembly which is positioned invertical alignment with the lower guide members 34 for likewise guidingthe upper portion of the duct section into proper position on thepresent apparatus 24 as best illustrated in FIG. 4. The upper V-shapedguide members 56 are likewise fixedly attached to assembly 54 and arelikewise adjustable in a conventional manner as previously explainedwith respect to the lower guide members 34. The upper clamp headassembly 52 is mounted to assembly 54 through the use of plate members58 and other supporting structure and likewise includes an upperclamping member 60 which is pivotally movable similar to the lowerclamping member 40 through the use of an actuating cylinder 62 (FIG. 3)which can be likewise controlled from control panel 46. Like clampactuating cylinder 42, actuating cylinder 62 is connected to clampingmember 60 for pivotally rotating the clamping member 60 about pivot axis64. The upper clamping member 60 is substantially identical in shape andconfiguration to lower clamping member 40 and is likewise pivotallyrotatable between an unclamped position as illustrated in solid outlineform in FIG. 3 and a clamping position wherein the clamping member 60 isagain positioned inside the duct section and adjacent the inside portionof the Pittsburgh Seam 10 to be closed as illustrated in dotted outlineform in FIG. 3. The actuating cylinder 62 can likewise be electrically,hydraulically or pneumatically controlled from control panel 46 and oncea particular duct section is positioned within both the lower and upperguide members 34 and 56 respectively, and once the lower and upperclamping members 40 and 60 respectively are moved to their clampingpositions, the duct section is properly oriented and positioned on thepresent apparatus 24 and is ready for operative sealing of thePittsburgh Seam 10. In addition, like clamping member 40, the matingportion of clamp member 60 with the inside portion of the PittsburghSeam 10 is likewise specially configured as discussed with respect toclamping member 40 to include an edge portion 48 and correspondingnotched portions 50 so as to enable the upper clamping member 60 tolikewise properly receive and support the inside portion of thePittsburgh Seam regardless of the orientation of the female portion 14of the Pittsburgh Seam 10 as illustrated in FIG. 5A.

The upper clamp head assembly 52, as discussed, is mounted on aselectively movable assembly 54 which includes horizontal support member66 which is vertically movable along the entire length of the pair ofupright support members 68 as best illustrated in FIG. 2. Verticalsupport members 68 are at least partially hollow and each includes acounter balance weight 70 which is attached to a respective chain orother suspension mechanism 72 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Chain mechanism 72 hasone end portion attached to a respective counter balance weight 70 andis fed over a respective idler assembly 74 so as to have its oppositeend portion attached to a respective attachment point 76 associated withsupport member 66. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, a pair of attachmentpoints 76 are associated with support member 66 and are positioned andlocated at a location in alignment with the upright support members 68.The opposite end portions of support member 66 each include a releasableholding and clamping mechanism 78 as best illustrated in FIG. 4 forreleasably holding the support member 66 and the entire movable assembly54 at a fixed vertical location along the length of vertical supportmembers 68.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, one embodiment of a releasable clamping andholding mechanism 78 can take the form of a threaded screw or pin member80 which can be selectively releasably tightened against the respectivevertical support members 68 or other structure associated with assembly54 for holding each opposite side of support member 66 at a fixedvertical position along the length of the support members 68. Likewise,releasing the threaded members 80 by simply unthreading such memberswill allow the support member 66 to move and slide vertically along theentire length of the vertical support members 68 so that an operator canadjust the member 66 and its associated upper guide members 56 relativeto the top portion of a particular duct section to be seamed based uponits particular length. The counter balance weights 70 are appropriatelyweighted based upon the weight of the entire upper clamp head assembly52 and its associated assembly 54 such that a single operator can easilymove support member 66 along the members 68 once the clamping mechanisms78 are released. This enables an operator to quickly and easily move andadjust the upper clamp head assembly 52 and the upper guide members 56which are associated therewith so as to accommodate duct sections of anylength within the overall length of vertical support members 68.

Once the particular duct section is properly positioned on supportingsurface 28 and within the lower guide members 34, the upper clamp headassembly 52 can be adjusted so as to move the upper guide members 56into contact with the upper end portion of the particular duct sectionto be seamed and the support members 66 and assembly 54 can then beclamped and secured at that vertical location through the use of theclamping mechanism 78. Once the upper clamp head assembly 52 is properlypositioned and oriented relative to the top portion of the duct sectionto be closed, the upper clamping member 60 can be moved to its clampingposition. It is recognized and anticipated that any counter balanceweight type arrangement and suspension mechanism can be utilized toallow a single operator to easily and quickly adjust the upper clamphead assembly 52 to accommodate any length of duct section includingnon-standard and odd sized duct sections. It is also recognized andanticipated that any type of selectively releasable clamping system suchas clamping system 78 can be utilized to easily lock and unlock supportmember 66 along the length of vertical support members 68, and it isrecognized and anticipated that any type of guide or tracking system forallowing support member 66 to slidably move along the length of verticalsupport members 68 can likewise be utilized without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate one embodiment of a carriage system 82 whichincludes one embodiment of the present seam forming assembly 84. Theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 includes an assembly 84 having apair of roller members 86 and 88 mounted in vertical arrangementrelative to each other (FIG. 6), the lower roller member 86 beingsubstantially V-shaped in configuration and the upper roller member 88being substantially cylindrical in shape. The V-shaped roller member 86enables the Pittsburgh Seam 10 to be positioned within the lower andupper guide members 40 and 60 in any of the two possible orientationsdiscussed above, namely, with the female portion 14 of the PittsburghSeam 10 located on either side of the seam corner as illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 8 as will be hereinafter further explained. Both seamforming roller members 86 and 88 are positioned on the movable carriageassembly 82 which is guided on a vertical track system 32 through theuse of a chain and sprocket type assembly which is powered in aconventional manner through the use of a drive motor 112 (FIG. 3) aswill be hereinafter explained. The seam forming carriage assembly 82includes a pair of chain attachment pins 90 and 92 (FIG. 7) and aplurality of guide wheels 94. In the particular embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7, the carriage assembly 82 includes eight guidewheels 94.

Each guide wheel 94 associated with carriage assembly 82 is positionedand located to track and guide along a vertical track mechanism 32 whichincludes a pair of track members 96 as best illustrated in FIG. 9, eachtrack member 96 having an edge portion 98 as best illustrated in FIG. 10which is configured to mate with a corresponding groove 100 associatedwith each guide wheel 94 (FIGS. 6 and 8). Track edge portion 98 isillustrated as being pointed or wedge shaped so as to be cooperativelyreceived and engaged within the corresponding groove 100 associated witheach guide wheel 94. In this regard, it is recognized and anticipatedthat the groove 100 could be associated with each respective track 96and that the wedge shaped or pointed edge portion 98 could be associatedwith each respective guide wheel 94. It is also recognized andanticipated that other corresponding shapes and configurations forholding the guide wheels in positive mating relationship with the tracks96 could likewise be utilized in the present invention. The trackmembers 96 are likewise adjustable fore and aft relative to the lowerand upper guide plates 34 and 56 through the use of a plurality ofadjustable bolt plates 102 to which the tracks 96 are fixedly attachedas best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 9. Attachment plates 102 include aplurality of elongated slots 104 which enable the respective platemembers 104 to be moved horizontally fore and aft so as to change theposition of the assembly 84 and its corresponding roller members 86 and88 relative to the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed. This adjustability canbe accomplished by any suitable adjustment means such as through the useof adjustment pins 105 (FIGS. 3 and 4) and allows an operator toincrease or decrease the force applied and interference between the seamforming roller members 86 and 88 and the Pittsburgh Seam associated withthe duct section clamped into position on the present apparatus 24.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a chain member or other suspensionmember 106 has one end portion attached to the adjustment pin 90associated with carriage 82 and has its opposite end portion attached toadjustment pin 92 associated with the opposite end portion of carriageassembly 82. Chain member 106 is fed over and traverses idler assembly108 and is driven by transfer shaft member 110 as best illustrated inFIG. 3. Transfer shaft member 110 is driven by drive motor 112 and anassociated chain and sprocket mechanism 114 associated with drive motor112 and transfer shaft 110 (FIG. 3). Drive motor 112 through themechanism 114 will move and rotate transfer shaft member 110 in either aclockwise or counterclockwise direction which in turn will move chainmember 106 about idler assembly 108 so that the entire carriage assembly82 can be moved up and down vertical track mechanism 32. It isrecognized and anticipated that any drive mechanism and anysprocket/idler arrangement can be used to move the seam forming carriageassembly 82 vertically along track mechanism 32. Activation of the drivemotor 112 and movement of the carriage assembly 82 can be activated byan operator through the control panel 46.

When activated, the carriage assembly 82 carrying the seam formingroller assembly 84 moves in a vertical direction from its lower startposition adjacent the lower guide members 34 as illustrated in FIGS. 2and 3 to an upper position determined by the positioning and location ofthe upper clamp head assembly 52 and support member 66. As the seamforming assembly 84 moves in an upward direction, the substantiallycylindrically shaped roller member 88 initially bends the overhangingseam edge portion 22 approximately 45° and then the bottom V-shapedroller member 86 completes the closing of the seam and moves theoverhanging edge portion 22 into a tight abutting relationship with theouter surface of the duct section such as duct section 16 illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 8. Because of its V-shaped configuration, one side of theV-shaped roller member 86 such as side portion 87A will overlay and liein engagement with the female portion 14 of a typical Pittsburgh Seam 10and one side of the V-shaped roller member 86 such as side portion 87Bwill overlay the opposite side of the Pittsburgh Seam 10 as bestillustrated in FIG. 8. In this regard, FIG. 8 shows a typical PittsburghSeam 10 positioned within the V-shaped roller member 86 after theoverhanging edge portion 22 has been closed and moved adjacent to theouter surface of duct section 16.

It is important to note that the side of the V-shaped roller member 86not being used to form or close the seam, for example, side portion 87Aadjacent the female portion 14, holds one side of the duct section andsupports that side of the duct section so that the opposite side of theroller member 86, namely, side portion 87B, presses against theoverhanging edge portion 22 to create the bending or forming force. Inother words, one side of the V-shaped roller member 86, such as sideportion 87A, holds the duct section in proper position while the otherside of the V-shaped roller member, such as side portion 87B, actuallybends the overhanging edge portion 22 into its closed position. As aresult, it makes no difference if the overhanging edge portion of atypical Pittsburgh Seam 10 extends in a direction corresponding toeither side 87A or 87B of the V-shaped roller member 86 since one sideof the roller member 86 will bend the Pittsburgh Seam while the otherside will provide sufficient support and force for completing thebending or forming action along the entire length of the seam. Since thecarriage assembly 82 moves upwardly from its lower start position asillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 along the entire length of the duct sectionand associated Pittsburgh Seam to be closed, the V-shaped roller member86 supports the closing seam along its entire length. This is asubstantial improvement over known existing Pittsburgh Seam closingapparatus which typically do not provide adequate support for closingthe seam along the entire length of the seam.

When the seam forming assembly 84 reaches the upper clamping member 60which holds the top portion of the duct section and the associatedPittsburgh Seam to be closed in proper position on the present apparatus24, the carriage assembly 82 is returned to its lower start position andagain traverses the full length of the seam. During this return run, theseam forming assembly 84 will re-form the metal of the Pittsburgh Seamwhich was closed during its upward travel, if necessary, so as to removeany waves or wrinkles in the duct section. Because the V-shaped rollermember 86 presses and supports the Pittsburgh Seam on all sides of theseam during the closing process along the entire length of the seam tobe closed, any waves or wrinkles in the edge being seamed are removed bythe reformation of the material which results in a smooth and attractiveseam. If any waves or wrinkles do occur, the reverse travel of theroller assembly 84 will again re-form the metal of the seam so as toremove any such waves or wrinkles. Once the seam has been closed and thecarriage assembly 82 has been returned to its initial lower positionadjacent base supporting surface 28, the lower and upper clamp headassemblies 38 and 52 are moved to their unclamped position, and the ductsection can be removed and/or rotated so that another seam can bepositioned on the present apparatus 24 for closure.

Due to the position of the roller member 88 on top of roller member 86,initial peening of both opposite ends of the Pittsburgh Seam to beclosed is still required. This initial peening on the end of the seam tobe positioned adjacent the lower guide members 34 should be over alength not substantially greater than the diameter of the V-shapedroller member 86 whereas the initial peening of the opposite end of theseam to be positioned adjacent the upper guide numbers 56 may be over alength slightly greater than the lower end since roller member 86 willlie below roller member 88 at the top of its travel along track system32. This initial peening of the respective starting ends of eachPittsburgh Seam to be closed also preliminarily holds the duct portionstogether prior to positioning a particular duct section on supportingsurface 28.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment 116 of the present seamforming assembly wherein the top substantially cylindrical roller member88 associated with assembly 84 is replaced with a flat plate or wiperblock 118 which is positioned and located above the V-shaped rollermember 86 to again bend the overhanging edge portion 22 of a typicalPittsburgh Seam 10 at least approximately 45° as previously explainedwith respect to embodiment 84. In all other respects, the seam formingassembly 116 is substantially identical to and functions substantiallysimilar to seam forming assembly 84. In addition, the flat plate orwiper block 118 can likewise be replaced with any object which is shapedand configured so as to bend the overhanging edge portion 22 of atypical Pittsburgh Seam 10 as previously explained. Any object and anyconfiguration of such object which will achieve bending of theoverhanging edge portion 22 to approximately a 45° angle will achievethe stated purpose and will allow the V-shaped forming roller 86 tocomplete the seaming process.

In still another embodiment of the present vertical Pittsburgh Seamclosure apparatus, a second seam forming carriage assembly similar tocarriage assembly 82 such as carriage assembly 120 illustrated in dottedoutline form in FIG. 3 can be positioned adjacent the upper guidemembers 56 in a substantially similar arrangement as disclosed withrespect to lower guide members 34 and seam forming assembly 84. In thisembodiment, the second or upper seam forming carriage assembly 120 canbe operable independent of the lower seam forming carriage assembly 82such that a dual carriage system can be achieved. Each carriage systemwould have its own seam forming assembly associated therewith such asseam forming assembly 84 and each carriage assembly would traverse onlya portion of the full length of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed. Inthis particular embodiment, the lower seam forming carriage assemblysuch as carriage assembly 82 can be moved upwardly so as to traverse thevertical track mechanism 32 a distance less than the full length of theduct section to be seamed and the upper seam forming carriage assemblysuch as carriage assembly 120 can be moved downwardly so as to traversethe track mechanism 32 a distance less than the full length of the ductsection to be seamed, this downward travel distance of the secondcarriage assembly overlapping at least a portion of the seaming processaccomplished by the lower carriage assembly 82 so as to ensure completeseaming of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed. In this embodiment, it isenvisioned that the lower carriage assembly 82 would operateindependently and would move upward along the vertical track mechanism32 to a predetermined height along the length of the seam to be closedand once reaching its predetermined height, the lower carriage assembly82 would return to its initial start position. During the return travelof the lower carriage assembly, or once the lower carriage assemblyreaches its initial start position, movement of the second uppercarriage assembly 120 can occur. In similar fashion, the upper carriageassembly will move downwardly along the vertical track mechanism 32 to apredetermined location along the length of the seam to be closed, suchpredetermined location including some overlap with the distancetraversed by the lower carriage assembly 82. When both carriage systemsreturn to their initial start position, the seaming process iscompleted.

The timing of the independent movement of the dual carriage system canbe computer controlled or manually controlled through control panel 46.The configuration of the upper carriage assembly 120 will besubstantially identical to the lower carriage assembly 82 and lower seamforming assembly 84 as previously described except that the V-shapedroller member such as roller member 86 will be positioned above rollermember 88 or plate member 118 thereby allowing the seam forming assemblyto be positioned closer to the terminal end of the seam to be closed atits upper end portion. This results in less peening of that particularseam end portion as compared to the embodiment where a single seamforming carriage assembly 82 is utilized.

The second or upper carriage assembly 120 will move on the same tracksystem 32 as lower carriage assembly 82 via a substantially similarchain and sprocket assembly as described with respect to carriageassembly 82. In this regard, a separate and independent drive motor andchain and sprocket assembly can be utilized to drive the second uppercarriage assembly 120 and such chain and sprocket assembly can bepositioned in parallel relationship to chain mechanism 106. Variousportions of the upper carriage assembly may be configured slightlydifferently as compared to the lower carriage assembly 82 such as thelocation and structure associated with the chain attachment pin members90 and 92 so as to accommodate a parallel chain or suspension mechanism.It is likewise recognized and anticipated that still other means formoving the second carriage assembly on the same track mechanism 32 asthe lower carriage assembly 82 can be utilized and are envisionedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is also recognized that the various systems associated with thepresent apparatus 24 such as moving the clamping members 40 and 60between their unclamped and clamped positions and moving the lowercarriage assembly 82 and/or the upper carriage assembly 120 along trackmechanism 32 can be computer controlled and programmed such as through acomputer control system 47 (FIG. 2) coupled to the present apparatus 24such as through control panel 46 such that movement of these assemblieswill automatically take place upon proper positioning of the ductsection within the guide members 34 and 56, or upon activation of astart switch associated with control panel 46. It is also recognizedthat each step of the seam closing process can likewise be manuallyoperated by a single operator from control panel 46. In this regard,appropriate switches and valves for operating the actuators 42 and 62and the drive motor 112 can be controlled independently from controlpanel 46. It is also recognized that movement of the lower carriageassembly 82 and/or an upper carriage assembly 120 can be controlled by amanual switch associated with control panel 46 and reversing of thelower carriage assembly 82 and/or the upper carriage assembly can becontrolled either manually through control panel 46 or mechanicallythrough the use of appropriate sensors and/or contact switches forstopping movement in one direction and starting movement in the reversedirection. Still other fully automated and/or partially automatedcontrol systems for operating the present apparatus 24 are likewiserecognized and anticipated.

It is also important to note that the forming roller members 86 and 88are on shaft portions which have diameters substantially larger thanshafts typically associated with the industry standard, and typicallyassociated with the roll forming members associated with known seamclosing devices. In many instances, the known roller members areassociated with small threaded camshafts which are subject to easybreaking due to the forces generated during the Pittsburgh Seam closingprocess. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 11, the present roller members 86and 88 are designed so as to increase the strength of the respectiveshafts, and the shafts associated with such roller members are notthreaded, which threads reduce the overall diameter of the shaft.Instead, the present roller members are made with integral shafts of amuch larger diameter that is approximately 10 times stronger thanexisting cam roller stems used on known machines in the marketplace. Theshafts run in large self aligning bearings. This arrangement is capableof withstanding forces required for closing Pittsburgh Seams made of 18gauge stainless steel and 16 gauge mild steel. This strengthening of theroller members 86 and 88 prevents premature breakage of such rollermembers and greatly increases the longevity and efficiency of the seamclosing process. This increased strength associated with the formingroller members in conjunction with the support provided by the V-shapedroller member 86 to all sides of the Pittsburgh Seam during the seamclosing process allows the present apparatus 24 to successfully closePittsburgh Seams made of metal from extremely light gauge metal such as26 gauge metal through heavy gauge metal such as 16 gauge metal withoutthe need to adjust the roller members for a tighter or looser setting.The use of the present lower and upper V-shaped guide members 34 and 56in conjunction with the improved lower and upper clamp members 40 and 60likewise contribute to the successful seaming of a wide variety ofdifferent gauge materials from extremely light to heavy gauge metal aspreviously described.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate still another embodiment of a carriage system122 which includes three roller members 86 and 88 mounted in verticalarrangement relative to each other, the lower roller member 88 beingsubstantially cylindrical in shape, the middle or center roller member86 being substantially V-shaped in configuration, and the upper rollermember 88 being again substantially cylindrical in shape. The rollermembers 86 and 88 are substantially identical to the roller membersutilized in carriage assembly 82 (FIGS. 6 and 7), the only differencebeing that a roller member 88 has been positioned both above and belowthe V-shaped roller member 86. All three seam forming roller members 86and 88 are positioned on the movable carriage assembly 122 which isguided on the same vertical track system 32 as previously explained. Thecarriage assembly 122 is likewise substantially identical in structure,configuration, function and operation as carriage assembly 82 andincludes chain attachment pins (not shown) such as the attachment pins90 and 92 as well as a plurality of guide wheels (not shown) such as theguide wheels 94 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Except for the use of twosubstantially cylindrical roller members 88, one above and one below theV-shaped roller member 86, carriage member 122 is substantiallyidentical in all respects as previously described with respect tocarriage assembly 82.

Carriage assembly 122 is more efficient than carriage assembly 82 andthe dual carriage system utilizing carriage assemblies 82 and 120explained above since carriage assembly 122 can accomplish completeclosure of a typical Pittsburgh Seam in a single pass in eitherdirection, that is, either from its lower starting point to its upperfinishing point, or from its upper finishing point to its lower startingpoint. In essence, carriage assembly 122 incorporates the features ofcarriage assemblies 82 and 120 discussed with respect to the dualcarriage system and rolls these features into a single carriage unit.When activated, the carriage assembly 122 moves in a vertical directionfrom its lower start position adjacent the lower guide members 34 to anupper position determined by the positioning and location of the upperclamp head assembly 52 and support member 66. As the carriage assembly122 moves in an upward direction, the substantially cylindrically shapedupper roller member 88 initially bends the overhanging seam edge portion22 approximately 45° and then the center or middle V-shaped rollermember 86 completes the closing of the seam and moves the overhangingedge portion 22 into a tight abutting relationship with the outersurface of the duct section as previously explained with respect tocarriage assembly 82. The side portions 87A and 87B of the V-shapedroller member 86 function as previously explained with respect tocarriage assembly 82, that is, the side portion of the V-shaped rollermember 86 not being used to form or close the seam, for example, sideportion 87A adjacent the female portion 14, holds one side of the ductsection and supports that side of the duct section so that the oppositeside portion of the roller member 86, namely, side portion 87B, pressesagainst the overhanging edge portion 22 to create the bending or formingforce. The function and operation of the V-shaped roller member 86 andthe upper substantially cylindrically shaped roller member 88 isidentical to that previously explained with respect to carriage assembly82. The lower or bottom substantially cylindrically shaped roller member88 will function to add more stability to the carriage assembly 122during the closing process and during the application of the bending andforming forces but it will not interfere with the seam closing processduring upward travel of the carriage assembly 122. Once carriageassembly 122 reaches its upper position, the Pittsburgh Seam has beenfully closed and the duct section can be removed and/or rotated so thatanother seam can be positioned on the present apparatus 24 for closure.

Still further, and importantly, since carriage assembly 122 includes asubstantially cylindrically shaped roller member 88 both above and belowthe V-shaped roller member 86, the lower substantially cylindricallyshaped roller member 88 will now function to initially bend theoverhanging seam edge portion 22 approximately 45° when the carriageassembly 122 is moved downwardly in a vertical direction from its upperposition to its lower start position and the middle or center V-shapedroller member 86 will then again complete the closing of the seam as thecarriage assembly 122 moves to its initial start position. During thisreturn run, the upper substantially cylindrically shaped roller member86 now functions to add more stability to the carriage assembly 122during the closing process but it will not interfere with such processduring the downward travel of the carriage assembly 122. As a result,carriage assembly 122 can complete the closing of a Pittsburgh Seam bothduring its upward travel as well as during its downward or return travelthereby eliminating the return travel of carriage 82 as well as the morecomplicated dual carriage system utilizing carriage assemblies 82 and120. This results in more efficient use of the present apparatus andincreases the productivity of the machine since a Pittsburgh Seam can beclosed in a single pass in either direction both during its upwardtravel as well as during its downward travel.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate one embodiment of the substantiallycylindrically shaped roller member 88 utilized in carriage assemblies82, 120 and 122. Side end portions 124 of roller member 88 form shaftportions for mounting to the carriage assemblies 82, 120 and 122. Shaftportions 124 can be formed so as to be of a slightly smaller diameter ascompared to the center roller portion 126, the shaft portions 124 beingsubstantially larger than the known prior art as previously explained.The shaft portions 124 are cooperatively receivable within the sideplates associated with the respective carriage assemblies such ascarriage assembly 122 as best illustrated in FIG. 13. It is alsorecognized and anticipated that the roller members 88 could besubstantially the same diameter throughout their entire length, and thatother configurations are likewise possible.

It is also recognized that the substantially cylindrically shaped rollermembers 88 utilized in carriage assembly 122 can likewise be replacedwith a flat plate or wiper block 118 as previously described withrespect to FIGS. 11 and 12. In this regard, the flat plates or wiperblocks 118 would function and operate in the same capacity as rollermembers 88 to complete the sealing of a typical Pittsburgh Seam in asingle pass in either direction. Here again, roller members 88 can bereplaced with any object that is shaped and configured so as toinitially bend the overhanging edge portion 22 of a typical PittsburghSeam 10 to approximately a 45° angle as previously explained so as toallow the V-shaped roller member 86 to complete the seaming process.

FIGS. 17-19 illustrated another embodiment 128 of a V-shaped rollermember constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention which could be utilized with any of the carriage assemblies82, 120 and 122. V-shaped roller member 128 is substantially similar toroller member 86 and includes side portions 87A and 87B as well as shaftportions 130 for mounting to the side plates associated with carriageassemblies 82, 120 and 122 as best illustrated in FIG. 13. The mountingand attachment of the V-shaped roller member 128 as well as rollermember 86 can be accomplished in any conventional manner such as throughthe use of tapped bores and/or holes 132 and 134 which are adapted toreceive cooperatively engageable members such as set screws and thelike. The novel difference between the V-shaped roller member 86 androller member 128 lies in the use of a center opening or bore 136 whichis positioned and located at the apex or joinder of the two sideportions 87A and 87B of the V-shaped roller member 128. The opening 136is preferably drilled and tapped for receiving one or more set screws138 as best illustrated in FIG. 24. The opening 136 is preferablythreaded so as to receive at least one threaded set screw 138 which canbe positioned such that at least a portion 140 of at least one set screw138 extends at least slightly beyond the adjoining outer surfaces ofside portions 87A and 87B, or slightly beyond the perimeter of suchsurfaces, such that as the roller member 128 moves along the outerfemale portion 14 during the seam closing process, the portion 140 ofthe extending set screw 138 will form a dimple or cavity in the femaleportion 14 at spaced locations therealong thereby forming a plurality ofdimples or projections 142 (FIG. 25) in the female portion 14 which isdriven into the male portion 16 of the Pittsburgh Seam during theclosing process. FIG. 25 illustrates a partial side elevational view ofa closed Pittsburgh Seam using the V-shaped roller member 128illustrated in FIGS. 17-19. Since the dimples 142 are pressed into themale portion 16 of the Pittsburgh Seam, this mating and closing of thePittsburgh Seam at each dimple 142 forms an uneven, jagged, lockedconnection 143 at each such dimple location thereby further preventingany shifting or slipping of the closed Pittsburgh Seam once the ductsection is removed from the present apparatus.

Since the V-shaped roller member 128 includes the opening 136 positionedat the apex or joinder of the V-shaped side portions 87A and 87B, thedimples 142 fainted in the female portion 14 or overlapping edge portion22 will occur at the corner of the sealed Pittsburgh Seam as illustratedin FIG. 25. Since the V-shaped roller member 128 will traverse theentire length of the duct section and the associated Pittsburgh Seam tobe closed, the dimples 142 will occur at spaced locations along theentire length of the seam to be closed. Forming of the dimples 142during the closing process further ensures the security of the closedseam and prevents shifting and slipping of the seam which occasionallyoccurs during transportation and/or installation of the duct sectionsassociated therewith.

Although FIG. 24 shows the use of two threaded set screws 138 forpositioning within the bore or opening 136, it is recognized that asingle set screw, or any other projection member could be utilized toachieve the extended or projected portion 140 illustrated in FIG. 24. Inaddition, although a threaded bore 136 is illustrated for receiving athreaded projecting member 138, it is also recognized and anticipatedthat any means for holding a projection member within the bore 136during the seaming process other than the use of threads can likewise beutilized to achieve the stated objective. In addition, since the setscrew or projection member 138 is threaded within the bore 136, theprojection member 138 can be adjusted therewithin so as to increase ordecrease the amount of extension of the projection member 138 beyond theouter surfaces 87A and 87B so as to adjust the overall depth of thedimple being formed during the seam closing process.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate still another embodiment 144 of a V-shapedroller member constructed in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention. The V-shaped roller member 144 is substantiallysimilar to V-shaped roller member 128 except that the center bore 136 inroller member 128 has been eliminated and a pair of tapped bores orholes 146 and 148 are utilized, the tapped bore or opening 146 beingpositioned through the V-shaped side portion 87A and the tapped bore oropening 148 being positioned through the V-shaped side portion 87B. Thebores or openings 146 and 148 function in the same capacity as bore 136and are adaptable for receiving one or more set screws or otherprojection members such as the projections 138 illustrated in FIG. 24.Here again, at least one projection member or set screw 138 ispositioned within each respective bore 146 and 148 such that one endportion thereof extends beyond the surface or perimeter of side portions87A and 87B so as to form a pair of dimples 150 and 152 as illustratedin FIG. 26 during the seam closing process. As explained with respect toroller member 128, as roller member 144 moves along the entire length ofthe Pittsburgh Seam to be closed, the portion 140 of the respectiveprojecting members 138 extending through the respective bores 146 and148 will form the dimples or projections 150 and 152 illustrated in FIG.26. In this embodiment, one dimple such as dimple 150 is formed on theoverhanging edge portion 22 of the Pittsburgh Seam whereas the otherdimple 152 is formed on the female portion 14 of the Pittsburgh Seam. Inthis embodiment, a dimple is formed on each side of the corner of theclosed Pittsburgh Seam. Here again, the dimples 150 and 152 are pressedinto and mate with the male portion 16 of the closed Pittsburgh Seam toform a secure, tight uneven or jagged locking connection 151 and 153between the male and female portions of the Pittsburgh Seam at eachdimple location to prevent shifting and slipping of the seam once it isclosed as previously explained. FIG. 26 illustrates a partial sideelevational view of a closed Pittsburgh Seam using V-shaped rollermember 144 illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate still another embodiment 154 of the V-shapedroller member constructed in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention. V-shaped roller member 154 incorporates all threetapped bores or openings 136, 146 and 148. Opening 136 is positioned andlocated substantially perpendicular to the openings 146 and 148 althoughany other orientation may likewise be utilized. In this particularembodiment, the projection members 138 extending beyond the surface orperimeter of the V-shaped side portions 87A and 87B form three dimples156, 158 and 160 at spaced locations along the entire length of the ductsection during the seam closing process as illustrated in FIG. 27. Hereagain, dimple or projection 156 is located at the corner of thePittsburgh Seam whereas dimples or projections 158 and 160 are locatedon opposite sides of the corner of the Pittsburgh Seam. As previouslyexplained, these dimples 157, 159 and 161 are pressed into and mate withthe male portion 16 of the Pittsburgh Seam to form a tight locked,uneven connection 157, 159 and 161 therebetween at each dimple locationas previously explained. Depending upon the size and type of ductsection being used, the particular gauge of metal being utilized, or theparticular application, any one or more of the bores 136, 146 and 148can be utilized in a particular V-shaped roller member. FIG. 27illustrates a partial side elevational view of a closed Pittsburgh Seamutilizing the roller member 154 illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23.

It is also recognized that one or more dimples or projections can beinitially formed and/or fabricated into the Pittsburgh Seam itself priorto closing. In this regard, FIG. 28 illustrates a partial sideelevational view of a Pittsburgh Seam constructed in accordance with theteachings of the present invention. Instead of utilizing any one of theV-shaped roller members 128, 144 and 154 discussed above, dimples orprojections such as the projections 162 and 164 illustrated in FIG. 28can be formed directly into the female portion 14 and the overhangingedge portion 22 associated with a typical Pittsburgh Seam. Any one or aplurality of dimples can be strategically positioned along the femaleportion 14 and along the overlapping edge portion 22 such that when theseam is closed, the dimples such as dimples 162 and 164 will press intoand mate with the male portion 16 thereby forming an uneven, jagged andlocked connection therebetween as previously explained. Fabricating aPittsburgh Seam with one or more dimples as illustrated in FIG. 28 willachieve the same stated objective as using V-shaped roller members 128,144 and 154 and the closing of a Pittsburgh Seam such as the seamillustrated in FIG. 28 can be accomplished using V-shaped roller member86. Here again, the use of any plurality of dimples such as the dimples162 and/or 164, including forming a dimple at the corner of the seam,will prevent the closed Pittsburgh Seam from shifting and/or slippingafter the seam has been closed.

Still further, because an operator can position a particular ductsection to be seamed on the present apparatus 24 without regard to theparticular orientation of the Pittsburgh Seam positioned between theguide members 34 and 56, the present apparatus saves considerable timeand is substantially more cost effective with respect to orienting aduct section on the present apparatus as compared to known prior artPittsburgh Seam closing devices. This means that an operator can takeany duct section, whether such duct section is positioned in a randompattern adjacent the seam closing apparatus or whether such duct sectionis coming directly off of a duct for ring assembly line, and place theduct section in a vertical orientation on the support surface 28 of thepresent apparatus 24 such that the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed isguided by the V-shaped guide members 34 and 56 to the seam formingassembly without worrying about the specific orientation of thePittsburgh Seam to be closed, that is, without worrying about on whichside the overhanging edge portion 22 of a typical Pittsburgh Seam 10projects relative to the positioning of the seam forming assembly. Thispositioning of a Pittsburgh Seam to be closed on the present apparatusregardless of the orientation of such seam saves substantial time andlabor and greatly improves the efficiency of the entire process, both informing a particular duct section and moving such formed duct section tothe seam closure apparatus 24, and in efficiently closing the PittsburghSeam. Although the present apparatus does not completely eliminate theneed for peening the opposed end portions of a particular PittsburghSeam to be closed, it greatly improves and speeds up the overall seamclosing process. An operator simply needs to stand the duct section onend in a vertical orientation and move the duct section directly to thesupport surface 28 and in between the guide members 34 and 56. Nospecific orientation is necessary.

Other variations and modifications to the various components andassemblies comprising the present structure 24 are also contemplated andenvisioned.

Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of avertical Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatus which fulfills the objectsand advantages sought therefor. Many changes, modifications, variationsand other uses in applications of the present invention will, however,become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering thisspecification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes,modifications, variations and other uses in applications which do notdepart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are deemed tobe covered by the invention and all equivalents therefor.

1. An apparatus for closing a Pittsburgh Seam associated with a ductsection, the duct section having first and second end portions, thePittsburgh Seam to be closed having a male portion, a female portion,and an overlapping edge portion, the apparatus comprising: a base memberhaving a supporting surface for positioning a duct section in a verticalorientation thereon; a lower guide assembly for guiding the PittsburghSeam to be closed associated with the first end portion of the ductsection into proper position on the supporting surface of the basemember; an upper guide assembly for guiding the Pittsburgh Seam to beclosed associated with the second end portion of the duct section intoproper position on the apparatus; a lower clamping member positionableinside the first end portion of the duct section adjacent the insideportion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed; an upper clamping memberpositionable inside the second end portion of the duct section adjacentthe inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed; a vertical trackmechanism extending upwardly from the base member; and a carriageassembly movable on said track mechanism between a first positionlocated in the vicinity of said lower guide assembly and a secondposition located in the vicinity of said upper guide assembly forclosing a Pittsburgh Seam, said carriage assembly being likewise movablefrom its second position to its first position for closing a PittsburghSeam, said carriage assembly including a seam forming assembly forengaging the outside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed; saidseam forming assembly including three members mounted in verticalarrangement, the lower member being shaped to initially bend theoverhanging seam edge portion, the middle member being a roller memberhaving a substantially V-shaped configuration, and the upper memberbeing shaped to initially bend the overhanging Pittsburgh Seam edgeportion; said seam forming assembly traversing substantially the entirelength of the duct section when the carriage assembly moves between itsfirst and second positions, the upper seam forming member initiallybending the overhanging Pittsburgh Seam edge portion while the middleseam forming member completes the closing of the Pittsburgh Seamregardless of the orientation of the male and female portions of thePittsburgh Seam when the duct section is positioned within the lower andupper guide members; said seam forming assembly likewise traversingsubstantially the entire length of the duct section when the carriageassembly moves between its second and first positions, the lower seamforming member initially bending the overhanging Pittsburgh Seam edgeportion while the middle seam forming member completes the closing ofthe Pittsburgh Seam when the duct section is positioned within the lowerand upper guide members.
 2. The apparatus defined in claim 1 whereinsaid lower and upper guide assemblies each include a pair of guidemembers.
 3. The apparatus defined in claim 2 wherein said pair of lowerand upper guide members are each positioned in spaced apart relationshiprelative to each other so as to form a V for guiding the duct sectionand its associated Pittsburgh Seam into proper position.
 4. Theapparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said lower guide assembly isattached to the base member.
 5. The apparatus defined in claim 1 whereinsaid upper guide assembly is attached to a selectively movable andadjustable assembly.
 6. The apparatus defined in claim 3 wherein theseam forming assembly is positioned between the lower V-shaped guidemembers when the carriage assembly is in its first position.
 7. Theapparatus defined in claim 2 wherein the respective pairs of lower andupper guide members are adjustable.
 8. The apparatus defined in claim 1wherein the lower and upper clamping members are pivotally movablebetween an unclamped position and a clamped position when the clampingmembers are positioned inside the respective end portions of the ductsection adjacent the inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed.9. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said upper clamping memberis attached to a selectively movable and adjustable assembly.
 10. Theapparatus defined in claim 1 wherein the lower and upper membersassociated with said seam forming assembly are cylindrically shapedroller members.
 11. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein the trackmechanism is adjustable fore and aft relative to the lower and upperguide assemblies.
 12. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein saidlower and upper clamping members each include a specially configuredmating surface for enabling the respective clamping members to properlyengage the inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed regardlessof the orientation of the female portion.
 13. The apparatus defined inclaim 1 wherein the upper and lower clamping members each include amating surface having an edge portion positioned and located so as tomate with the corner of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed when in theirrespective clamped positions, and further including a notched portionlocated on either side of the edge portion, said notched portions beingshaped to receive the female portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closedwhen in the clamped position regardless of which side of the edgeportion the female portion is located.
 14. The apparatus defined inclaim 1 wherein the lower and upper members associated with said seamforming assembly are flat plates.
 15. The apparatus defined in claim 1wherein the lower and upper members associated with said seam formingassembly are wiper blocks.
 16. The apparatus defined in claim 1 whereinmovement of the clamping members and the carriage assembly are manuallycontrolled from a control panel.
 17. The apparatus defined in claim 1wherein movement of the clamping members and the carriage assembly arecomputer controlled from a control panel.
 18. The apparatus defined inclaim 1 wherein the upper clamping member is positioned in verticalalignment with the lower clamping member.
 19. The apparatus defined inclaim 1 wherein the upper guide assembly is positioned in verticalalignment with the lower guide assembly.
 20. The apparatus defined inclaim 3 wherein said pair of lower and upper V-shaped guide members areeach respectively positioned substantially perpendicular to each other.21. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said substantially V-shapedroller member includes at least one opening extending through at leastone surface portion of said V-shaped configuration, and at least oneprojection member extending through said at least one opening, said atleast one projection member having a portion thereof extending beyondsaid at least one V-shaped surface portion.
 22. The apparatus defined inclaim 21 wherein said at least one opening extending through at leastone surface portion of said V-shaped configuration includes an openingextending through the apex of said V-shaped configuration.
 23. Theapparatus defined in claim 21 wherein said at least one openingextending through at least one surface portion of said V-shapedconfiguration included a pair of openings, one opening extending throughone surface portion forming said V-shaped configuration and one openingextending through the other surface portion forming said V-shapedconfiguration.
 24. The apparatus defined in claim 8 wherein said lowerclamping member is recessed within an elongated opening associated withthe base supporting surface when said lower clamping member is in itsunclamped position.
 25. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein saidcarriage assembly includes a plurality of guide wheels, each guide wheelbeing configured to track and guide along said vertical track mechanism.26. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein the upper seam formingmember initially bends the overhanging Pittsburgh Seam edge portionapproximately 45° when the carriage assembly moves between its first andsecond positions.
 27. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein the lowerseam forming member initially bends the overhanging Pittsburgh Seam edgeportion approximately 45° when the carriage assembly moves between itssecond and first portions.